Retail Store Manager - Door County Candle

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Retail Store Manager to lead our growing retail team! This role is ideal for someone who loves working with customers and thrives on building a well-run store and a strong staff. As Store Manager, you'll own the day-to-day operations of our retail space and Candle Bar, lead and schedule our team of associates, and make sure every customer receives the exceptional experience Door County Candle is known for.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead daily store operations, setting the tone for a warm, welcoming, and professional environment.
• Build and publish the retail schedule, ensuring appropriate coverage for store hours, weekends, holidays, and peak seasons; adjust staffing in response to call-offs, time-off requests, and business volume.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and coach retail associates on customer service, product knowledge, the candle-making experience, and store procedures.
• Provide ongoing feedback, set clear expectations, and address performance concerns in partnership with ownership.

Customer Experience & Sales

• Model outstanding customer service and step in to resolve escalated customer questions or concerns with professionalism.
• Oversee the Candle Bar experience, ensuring guests are guided through scent selection and the candle pouring process with clear instruction and genuine hospitality.
• Maintain expert knowledge of products, pricing, promotions, and seasonal offerings, and make sure the team is equally well informed.
• Oversee visual merchandising, product displays, and promotional materials to keep the store fresh and inviting.

Store Operations

• Manage opening and closing procedures, including cash handling, register reconciliation, and daily deposits.
• Oversee inventory management: monitor stock levels, place and receive orders, ensure Candle Bar wax tanks and candle-making supplies stay stocked, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe store and workspace, including general housekeeping duties; all team members, including management, pitch in.
• Coordinate with the production team on inventory needs, product timing, and special orders.
• Support candle production and other operational tasks as business needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• [2+] years of retail experience, including [1+] year in a supervisory, key holder, or management role.
• Experience creating staff schedules.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
• Friendly, positive presence with a genuine passion for exceptional customer service.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable using computers and learning point-of-sale, scheduling, and ERP software.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions independently on the floor.
• Able to lift and carry packages and crates weighing up to 40 pounds and remain on your feet for 8 hours.
• Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.

Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round position averaging approximately 40 hours per week. Retail hours are typically 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM during the summer and fall season and 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM during the winter.

Weekend availability is required. Weekend and holiday coverage is shared among the retail team, and additional hours may be needed during our busiest fall and holiday seasons. Must be able to work 2 weekends a month.

Join us in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while leading a team that delivers the exceptional experience our customers have come to expect from Door County Candle.